Poor PVC-U - it seems people never tire of bashing it. Over the years various claims have been made about the environmental credentials of PVC-U.

However, perhaps the times they are a changin’ - as Martin Randall, the Chairman of Crystal Direct has created a new initiative to promote the benefits of PVC-U with his new fact sheet: The Truth about PVC-U - Facts & Fibs.

As a consumer it can be really hard to know what to believe, so this new fact sheet really is a great resource. It’s been compiled using a variety independent sources including - Reco Vinyl; Vinyl 2010; PVC Awareness; BPF; PVC Aware; Public Sector News Line; & Friends of the Earth.

The factsheet aims to debunk the myths (or indeed ‘fibs’) we are told about PVC-U and instead present the facts. Highlights include:

Fib: PVC-U Cannot be Recycled

Fact: PVC compounds are 100% recyclable, in fact PVC-U can be recycled over and over again. In 2007 the UK recycled more than 42,000 tonnes of used PVC-U windows and doors.

Fib: PVC-U is dangerous

Fact: Numerous independent studies have been undertaken by such bodies as the World Health Organisation and the European Union, which have repeatedly shown that the material is safe.

“Ministers have made clear that independent evidence such as that from Professor Rappe, the independent scientific advisor to the EU and World health Organisation, demonstrated that PVC is a safe material” - John Battle MP, former Minister of State for Science, Energy and Industry.

Fib: Manufacturing PVC-U harms the environment

Fact: A typical European PVC production plant would have to operate for 30,000 years to produce the same amount of dioxins released into the atmosphere during bonfire night!

“The balance of evidence suggests that there is no alternative material to PVC in it’s major product applications that has less overall effect on the environment.” - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

Fib: Alternative materials are just as good as PVC-U when it comes to energy-saving and durability.

Fact: PVC-U is far more thermally efficient than alternative materials and the PVC-U industry is at the forefront of the development of energy efficient window frames. In addition to this, the Building Research Establishment estimates that a typical PVC-U window will have a lifespan of 35 years.

Download the fact sheet in full here - it’s definitely an eye-opening read!

The label pictured to the right is an energy efficient window rating label.

The energy efficient window labelling scheme was created by the BRFC (the British Fenestration Rating Council). It’s aim is to rate the energy efficiency of windows in the same way as household appliances are now energy rated.

As with household appliances, the most energy efficient windows are rated A to C.

A to C rated windows also carry the Energy Saving Recommended logo which is issued by the Energy Saving Trust.

To find out more about the scheme, read on, or visit their website.

What Does the Energy Efficient Window Ratings Label Tell You?

Each window rated by the BFRC has a unique label which contains the following information:

1. The rating level - A, B, C and so on
2. The energy index
3. The thermal transmittance
4. The solar factor
5. The air leakage

In plain English, each of these factors will determine how well the window will perform in terms of:

- Helping you contain and conserve heat within your building in the winter

- Keep out the wind

- Resist condensation

- Contribute to improved sound insulation

Does the Energy Efficiency Rating Apply to the Glass or the Window?

The scheme rates the whole window (i.e. including the frame and any casement) not simply the glass.

How Much Money Can I Save?

By installing energy efficient windows a typical homeowner could see their household energy bills reduced by as much as £461 per year*. Of course the amount you save will depend on the size of your home, and the size and condition of your current windows.

How Much Carbon Can I Save?

Energy efficient windows can assist you in reducing your carbon footprint by up to 18% - so it’s a worthwhile change both from a financial and environmental perspective!

How Do I Know if the Windows I’m Buying are Energy Efficient?

Firstly, be sure to check that the company providing and installing your windows is registered with the BFRC - you can easily check this by clicking on this link: http://www.bfrc.org/Consumer/search_companies.aspx

Additionally, when speaking to your chosen supplier / installer, ask them about their BFRC rated products - if their windows carry the energy efficient label, then you can rest assured that you are getting an energy efficient window.

How Much do Energy Efficient Windows Cost?

The cost of energy efficient windows depends on a variety of factors including the frame materials used (i.e. timber, aluminium, PVCU), and the sizr and style of the window.

Additionally, the higher the energy efficiency (i.e. the more energy efficient a given window is) the more it costs - so an ‘A’ rated window will cost more than a ‘C’ rated window; but this cost can be off-set by the savings you will make on your energy bills. 

SEHBAC & Energy Efficient Windows

Here at SEHBAC we understand the importance of energy efficiency when considering replacement windows. As such all of our windows are energy rated. We’re also very happy to talk you through the various options and their associated costs.

View our full double glazing range, or call us on 0800 666 444 to discuss your needs, we’re here to help you.

*in an electrically heated house, taken from DTI Quarterly Energy Prices. December 2007. Calculation provided by the BFRC.

Why choose Double Glazing ?

It’s becoming increasingly popular to install double glazed windows in your home for several reasons:

To save money on heating bills…

Double glazed windows and doors are generally considered much more efficient at insulating your home than standard single-pane windows.

To save money on home insurance…
Modern double-glazed windows are considered far more secure than many older styles of windows

To reduce noise…
Double glazing is very good at reducing the amount of noise that enters through windows and doors

Double Glazing to suit your Home

Originally double glazed windows came in a limited range of styles and it was often difficult to find a design that matched the style of your property. Double glazing has moved on since then and nowadays it is easier to customise your windows and find a look that suits your home.

You can see our range by browsing our website, ordering a brochure or simply by popping in to visit us at one of our show centres.

How to choose a Double Glazing Company

All double glazing companies are not created equal, this is why we have put together a simple checklist of what to look out for, when selecting a double glazing company:

1. Do they offer a range of styles?
2. Can they provide testimonials from satisfied customers?
3. Does the company use the relevant professionals to make sure the double glazing installation is safe before carrying out the work?
4. Are the installers covered by a code of practice?
5. Is the double glazing guaranteed? and if so, for how long?

You can be sure that SEHBAC tick all the boxes. We pride ourselves in utilising quality products and delivering a professional service.

Double Glazing Contracts - Checklist

Once you have selected the company you want to install your new windows, there are a few more things to establish. The company should draw up a contract of work that clearly sets out exactly which products you have selected, and the costs involved for the purchase and fitting of them. This is by no means as exhaustive list, but your contract should include the following:

1. The price of the windows
2. Any additional costs
3. The date the work will commence
4. An estimate of how long the work will take
5. Details of your particular method of payment i.e. the deposit you have agreed to pay, monthly installments and interest rate you will pay. 

Typically a double glazing company will require a deposit of somewhere between 20%-30% before carrying out the work. This figure isn’t necessarily set in stone, so you may be able to negotiate.